A crowd of just 25,311 - the lowest league attendance at Villa Park since December 1999 - saw a late Nathaniel Clyne goal rescue a point for Southampton against Aston Villa.

Gabriel Agbonlahor netted for the home side goal on 29 minutes to end Southampton’s run of 439 minutes without conceding in the Premier League after an error of judgment by goalkeeper Frazer Forster.

The hosts had the chance to double their lead on 79 minutes following a good counter attack, however Andreas Weimann was unable to steer the ball home from an Agbonlahor cross.

And Paul Lambert’s side would rue the miss as just three minutes later Clyne, who made his England senior debut earlier this month, latched on to a Ryan Bertrand ball on the edge of the penalty area, smashing the ball past Brad Guzan.

The result leaves Ronald Koeman’s still second in the league but now six points behind leaders Chelsea.

However the Dutchman remained confident his side could finish in a Champions League place come the end of the season.

”Chelsea are the team to beat,” he said.  “They have quality in all parts of their game and they have no weaknesses. It is up to us to keep our position and believe in our way of playing.

"After 37 games I don't believe we will still be second - but maybe third.”

Villa manager Paul Lambert, who was taking charge of his 100th game as manager of Aston Villa, remained positive after the game despite his side having failed to win since mid-September.

"I thought it was a really good game against a very good side,” he said.

“It’s a point gained against a team who had swept everything in front of them aside.  If you look at the money spent by these sides, it’s a big difference from us.”